Communications Quotes

When you are introducing friends, be sure to put them in a great light by giving more than just their names. Tell something wonderful about them. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

At the beginning of most business meetings or important discussions, let the other participants have their say first. Listen carefully as though you are evaluating each comment before you speak. That gives your eventually revealed opinion more value. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

When meeting people in highly professional or upscale situations, hit them with a whole sentence that includes a noun and a verb. Adjectives optional. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

To sound smarter, more professional, and cultured, simply pronounce all three syllables of a greeting. "Good mor-ning." "Good eve-ning." [2009] - Leil Lowndes

The next time you meet someone, make a note of how enthusiastic you sounded when you said hello. Then, when it comes time to say good-bye, boost your energy level up a tad higher. If appropriate, tell the person of your pleasure. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Questions about someone's last few hours just kick-start the conversation. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

If you think someone will enjoy it, give him a flattering nickname. It must augment the recipients' self-esteem. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Speak slowly for nonnative speakers. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Match your words to their educational level. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Keep your differences a secret, and celebrate your similarities. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

When you are trapped in the sticky situation of not knowing who or what the heck everyone is talking about, pull one person aside and confide in her. Ask for information on what or whom they are discussing. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Do not ask a professional to give away her fortune for free. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Except for 100-percent-certified purely social gatherings, there is usually a reason for a get-together. Look at the big picture and figure out whether you should be up front or in the background. When conversation turns to the raison d'etre, unless you are relevant to it, smile--with sealed lips. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Here is the game plan when you are guilty. Dead wrong. Caught red-handed. 1. Listen calmly until your accuser finished, and then say, "I am happy you brought that up." 2. Proceed by saying, "You are right," and repeat his accusation word for word. No ifs, ands, or buts--and no changing his precise words. 3. Pause. 4. Then, and only then, with no defensiveness, tell your reasoning. If there is absolutely no rationalization for what you did, tell him what you have learned from it. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Sitting directly to the right of the host, honored guest, or most admired person at a dinner party holds unspoken status. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

To express acceptance or agreement, lift your chin up and bring it back to normal several times. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

A handwritten signature in blue ink is 21 percent more effective than one in black ink. [2009] - Leil Lowndes

If you want to sound really professional, yet warm, change the subject line from "Out of the office" to "I am away until April 1." [2009] - Leil Lowndes

In conversation, it's certainly a good idea to avoid saying "I" too many times. Start as many sentences as you can with "you". [2009] - Leil Lowndes

Phoning is more personal and is actually less time-consuming than reading an e-mail. And, if it is a delicate or legal matter, you are not leaving an e-mail trail. [2009] - Leil Lowndes